Starter Trouble
 

We just installed a new starter in our 85 RX7 (12A). Now, when we attempt to hook up the battery, the engine tries to start, even though the key is not even in the ignition. Ignition switch was working properly prior to the starter install and is working fine in all other respects. Wires appear to be connected correctly. What are we missing?

I had the same thing happen to me earlier this winter.. are you getting your starters at Napa? I had to order in 4 starters, and only one of them was correct. The problem is that thick copper wire running from the solenoid to the motor is hooked up to the wrong prong, but it can't just be switched i'll post up a picture of a faulty one they gave me, and try to make some sense!

That is exactly what it is. Problem is that NAPA is the ONLY place around me that carries a starter for my car.

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/y...ot/starter.jpg

This is a brand new napa starter, that ran nonstop as soon as I reconnected the battery. When I first picked up this starter, that fat copper wire was hooked up to the prong on the left (2), not (3). I took it back to napa, and we checked out my core. Thinking we had solved the problem, we ran that wire over to prong (3) and I went home and tried it again.

Same thing happened again, instant power to the starter, as soon as I plugged in my battery. By this time, they had already sent my core away, so we began to order in starter after starter. The fourth one showed up, and we figured out the problem.

The metal plate, marked (1), should be on prong (3), NOT (2). As soon as power hits that plate, the starter is going to run no matter what. The correct starter should have the copper wire coming out of the starter motor around the STAR area, and basically following that curved line to the prong.

I hope this makes some sense, just take a look at the starter you have. (1) should be on prong (3), and the copper should be run to prong (3) originally, not prong (1)

Yeah my experience was horrible with napa.. after the 2nd and 3rd starters came in backwards, I asked for my refund. Beings they had already sent off my core, they said they had no way of refunding me my core charge, but just the 70 bucks for the starter. Long story short... I started making an ass of myself.. and told the guy "I'LL SIT HERE AND ORDER IN 100 STARTERS IF I HAVE TO, AND THEY'RE ALL GOING TO BE WRONG! JUST LET ME KEEP THIS ONE AS A CORE AND I'LL GO SOMEWHERE ELSE."

.................................................

he overnighted 2 more, and the fourth one that came in was hooked up correctly. It was also painted flat black as well...... what do you do?! Just keep ordering in until you get it.. because they are out there floating around in the napa warehouses.

using jumper cables bench test the starter to save time

Starter
 

Checked Advance Auto last week and they said they could not get one, nor could their site, but I see that their site says otherwise today. Hmm?

Does this mean NAPA is slipping or is this an obscure incident?

Strike 2
 

Second NAPA starter came in wired incorrectly

New Starter
 

They bench tested the second starter that came in and it tested ok, but was wired the same way as the first. I told them to send it back and get me another.

Just keep trying! This is a Napa problem, and I think we must be the only two who have ever ordered a 1st gen starter from them. Like I said, my correct starter arrived and it was flat black, i'm pretty sure they have an extra hereat the Minot store.. but have them order in several and hopefully one will turn up. Better luck! Justin

They sell two different models. We are trying the other model.

Yup... they need to take and make a separate part number.. because you have a very slim chance of getting the right one the first time.. ours are pretty rare, but that one they keep giving out must be a dime a dozen. Napa's at fault here

NAPA forgot to order the new starter. will be in on Monday. I love this!!!

sorry to hear bout the problems ur having. but at least this way u find out who and who NOT to buy parts from.

Gave up on NAPA after three starters. It came to a head when the NAPA folks first blamed my ignition switch and then me for the problem. Went to Advance auto. They had a picture of the starter on their computer at the store and in the picture starter was set up just like my original. Picking it up today.

Advance auto starter works perfectly and was cheaper.

Napa is slipping. I ordered a master cylinder. What showed up was for a chrysler and made of aluminum.

I ordered two fuel injector clips from them. The boxes that arrived were correct but the contents of each were incorrect. I had to send them both back.

Napa know-how Napa know-how........ not! Hahaha

Rich is wrong, NAPA doesn't have the "good stuff" and they charge way way more than anybody else!

+1 rotarian for quitting on the clowns who wouldn't help you

+1 for advance auto

My parts store preferences:

1. Advanced Auto - its close and I can order on the web and pick up in the store. They usually have the right parts.

2. O'reillys - They let me walk back in the parts bins to help pick out the right parts and try really hard to help out.

3. Walmart - Cause its cheap stoopid!

4. CarQuest - For really odd ball stuff that just has to be ordered in and the above don't carry it. Also the place for special fluids like silicone brake fluid.

5. Autozone - When desparate.

6. Napa - Never go there.

I found a picture to show what the master cylinder looked like. :)
https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...4&d=1245634801

Update
 

Just an update, the starter that napa finally found for me is junk! Last may, it started spinning only and not kicking out. It only kicked out when it wanted to, so it was a guessing game on when I would be able to start the car.

Between that, the horrendous summer flood, and being down a leading igniter, I never drove it enough to make it a top priority. I replaced the battery cables to the starter, the igniter, and it is getting more than enough power. The car is running like a top, WHEN the starter decides to kick out.

Today, I picked up an o'reilly starter, and I will report how it does soon! I was very tempted to order an fc starter, but didn't want to go and track down the long starter bolt I needed. I am happily bringing my napa starter back for the $17 dollar core charge!

Justin